Sandalwood Success: A Family Business Blooms
Chapter 7
The following morning, Sarah awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. The sun peeked over the horizon, casting a golden glow across the fields. She hurried downstairs to find her parents already preparing for the day.
“Good morning!” she greeted them brightly.
“Well, someone’s in a good mood,” her father remarked with a chuckle. “Did you have another interesting dream?”
“As a matter of fact, I did,” she replied, her eyes shining. “I have an idea I’d like to share with you.”
Her mother set down the basket she was carrying. “Go ahead, dear. We’re listening.”
“Thenga visited me again last night,” Sarah began. “He suggested that we could harvest some of the sandalwood tree to make perfume or oil. We could sell it in the neighboring towns and earn money—maybe even enough to build the library.”
Her parents exchanged a thoughtful glance.
“Sandalwood is indeed valuable,” her father mused. “But I don’t know the first thing about making perfume.”
“We could learn,” Sarah suggested eagerly. “And Thenga said the tree could provide more than we expect if we manage it wisely.”
Her mother considered this. “It’s true that sandalwood is prized. Perhaps we could look into it.”
Her father nodded slowly. “I suppose it’s worth exploring. It could be an opportunity we’ve been given for a reason.”
“Can we try, Papa?” Sarah asked hopefully.
He smiled warmly at her. “Yes, let’s see what we can do.”
Over the next few days, the family delved into learning everything they could about sandalwood harvesting and perfume making. Sarah and her mother visited the local apothecary, Mr. Omahan, who was known for his herbal remedies and fragrances.
“Ah, the Thompsons!” Mr. Omahan greeted them as they entered his quaint shop filled with the rich scents of herbs and spices. “What brings you here today?”
“We’re interested in learning about sandalwood oil extraction,” Sarah’s mother explained. “We have a sandalwood tree on our property.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise. “A sandalwood tree in these parts? That’s quite rare!”
Sarah smiled. “Yes, it’s a special tree.”
“Indeed,” he replied thoughtfully. “Well, extracting the oil is a delicate process, but not impossible. I’d be happy to teach you what I know.”
They spent the afternoon absorbing his knowledge, taking careful notes. Mr.Omahan provided them with a basic distillation apparatus and offered guidance on the techniques involved.
Back at home, Sarah’s father carefully pruned some branches from the sandalwood tree, ensuring not to harm its growth. Together, the family set up a small workspace in their shed, and with patience and care, they began the process of extracting the fragrant oil.
The first batch yielded a modest amount of sandalwood oil, its rich aroma filling the air. They poured it into small glass bottles, labeling each one meticulously.
“These look wonderful,” her mother remarked, holding up a bottle to the light.
“Do you think people will want to buy them?” Sarah asked, a hint of nervousness in her voice.
Her father placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “There’s only one way to find out. We’ll take them to the farmers market this weekend.”
When Saturday arrived, the family loaded their cart with the bottles of sandalwood oil and made their way to the bustling market in the neighboring town. The sights and sounds were a stark contrast to their quiet village—vendors called out to passersby, colorful displays adorned every stall, and the air was alive with energy.
They set up a modest stand, arranging the bottles neatly. Sarah took a deep breath, her excitement mingling with apprehension.
“Fresh sandalwood oil!” her father called out with confidence. “Handcrafted and pure!”
Soon, curious shoppers began to stop by, drawn by the alluring scent.
“Sandalwood oil? That’s hard to come by,” one woman remarked, picking up a bottle.
“How did you manage to make this?” another inquired.
“It’s a family effort,” Sarah’s mother replied warmly. “We harvest and produce it ourselves.”
The response was overwhelmingly positive. By midday, they had sold nearly all their stock.
“This is incredible!” Sarah exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with joy.
As they packed up to leave, a well-dressed gentleman approached them.
“Excuse me,” he began. “I represent a boutique in the city that specializes in fine fragrances. I’d be interested in purchasing your sandalwood oil in larger quantities.”
Sarah’s parents exchanged astonished glances.
“That’s quite an offer,” her father replied cautiously. “We’d need to consider how much we can produce sustainably.”
“Of course,” the gentleman agreed. “Here’s my card. Please think it over and contact me if you’re interested.”
On the journey home, the family was abuzz with excitement.
“Can you believe it?” her mother marveled. “This could change everything.”
Her father smiled thoughtfully. “It seems we have an opportunity to expand.”